Mr. Monroe, Secretary of State, to district attorney for Virginia,
July 26, 1816.
[28] *Sir: Your letter of the 11th of this month relative to the case of the Romp has been received. The Attorney-General thinks that it would be a proper step to set on foot a prosecution against Thomas Taylor, without delay, who, there is reason to think, may now be found within the district of Maryland. To this effect, you will be pleased to transmit under cover to this Department, as soon as you conveniently can, all the papers and documents in your possession, or within your reach, which bear upon his guilt. Should the attempt to arrest him succeed, you will be duly informed of the time of his trial, when it may become necessary to have the witnesses also ordered on to the place where it will be held. The proofs which you may forward will be replaced at the proper season in your hands, so as to subserve the purposes of trial in both districts. It is thought desirable the one against Thomas Taylor should, if practicable, be brought in first.
I have the honor to be, &c.,